The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of Ravina’s room, casting light on the polished floor. Ravina stood before her mirror, her reflection enhanced by the fine work of the manor’s maids. Leaving an image of proper elegance to reflect in her sharp purple eyes.
The deep purple gown was tailored to enhance her dark hair and striking purple eyes, featuring a fitted bodice with intricate embroidery spun from a silver thread that shimmered like stars in the soft light. The gown’s flowing skirts almost brushed the floor, layered with sheer fabric that added an air of ethereal grace to her visage and her shoulders were framed by delicate, puffed sleeves that tapered into a sharp, sleek silhouette.
A maid stood to her side, making minor adjustments to the intricate silver pendant that rested against her collarbone—a gift she’d received from her father from ‘graduating’ the academy. Even is she told him the truth on the matter. She looked at the pendant. A soft silver metal twisted into a cross, wound with intricate details sharpened into it. As she mused on the meaning of such a pretty gift the maids ran some finishing touches on her hair. It was styled in an elaborate updo, with loose tendrils framing her face, softening her otherwise commanding presence.
“Is the count still in his study?” she asked, her voice even but carrying a hint of anticipation.
“The count left early this morning, my lady.” The reply caused Ravina to frown slightly. What exactly had she expected? He was busy with god knows what, only able to see her in reply to her letter, and even the he seemed to not care.
Shaking her head, she straightened her posture. There’s nothing to expect, she thought, I'm just a fake and a shield. “Is everything alright?” she asked, looking back at herself in the mirror, seeing a beautiful stranger where she usually stood.
“Just about… done!” The maid cheered as she finished taming the last of Ravina’s hair perfectly. “Now you will be the envy of the ball!” With that declaration the maid stood back and smiled at her work. “You look beautiful.” she added with a smile.
“Thank you” She nodded to the maid as she left the room, making her way to the entry hall of the manor. She looked out the window and found the sun was still rising in the sky, the grand event was set to start in the afternoon and while being fashionable late was a thing here, one of the students was the descendant of royalty.
The sound of faint chatter pulled her attention as she descended the staircase. In the entryway, a group of maids hovered around Earl, fussing over him with exaggerated determination. His suit—a sharp dark green ensemble with an elegant cut—was striking, and Ravina found her eyes widening in surprise.
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Though Earl himself seemed anything but comfortable, he looked so much better than his usual manner of dress. She understood easily as she came closer, the maids were adjusted his cravat, tugged at the lapels of his coat, and brushed faint lines from his sleeves.
This poor boy was forced to play dress up for them.
“He really doesn’t suit the lady at all,” one maid whispered under her breath, her words eliciting a soft giggle from another.
“Still, he’s not completely hopeless…”
Ravina cleared her throat, her voice carrying a quiet authority that silenced their murmurs. “Ladies, if you’ve finished, I’d like to see Earl properly dressed and ready.”
The maids jumped slightly before stepping back to reveal Earl in his polished attire. With a few final touches, he stood somewhat awkwardly, his hunched shoulders detracting from the suit’s elegant lines. Still, he cut a figure that wouldn’t tarnish the Ravenshield name.
“Not bad,” she said with a small, approving smile.
Earl stumbled over his words, his cheeks turning red. “Th-thank you… You look beafil” He paused, fumbling. “Good.” he quickly corrected, you look good.”
Ravina raised an eyebrow at his awkwardness, her eyes glinting with amusement. “And you look quite dashing,” she replied, her tone calm but teasing.
Earl scratched the back of his neck, his blush deepening. “These maids of yours,” he muttered, “were all over me. I don’t know how you tolerate it.”
Ravina laughed lightly, the sound genuine and melodic. “You really shouldn’t have lost the bet,” she teased, her smile widening.
“That wasn’t my fault! We both know the crowd loved my display of Relmian’s Colvarari more.”
“They might have, but it was the teachers doing the grading. How many times do you think they’ve seen a Colvarari?”
“But this was Relmian’s! Even they can’t perform it at that level!”
“Because you cheated.”
“Using a Q-Crafted wand isn’t cheating!” Earl declared, throwing his hands up. “It was completely unfair for them to dock points for it.”
Ravina laughed again. “So how does second place feel?”
Earl scoffed before extending his hand, his ears red. “It’s not where I thought I’d end up. But I suppose you should enjoy first place for once.”
“Oh, so you’re saying you let me win?” Ravina asked, taking his hand.
“Gods, no. I’ve seen your notes on Blink, and I’m too scared to even attempt that.” Earl shook his head as she led them to the awaiting carriage. “Gods above, you earned it.”
“Damn right I did,” Ravina muttered.
“What was that?”
“Thank you,” she replied smoothly.
With that, the pair entered the carriage, ready to make their way to the Royal Academy’s Graduation Ball.